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Dental Implant Recovery

Dental implants replace tooth roots to support restorations like crowns and dentures and prevent jawbone atrophy. 

If you're considering this modern solution for tooth loss, you're likely wondering about the dental implant recovery process.

Serving Kansas City, MO, Matthew A. Turner DDS, PC prioritizes patient education and wants you to understand what healing will entail.

Dental Implants Are Placed in Three Stages

First, the implant is placed in the jaw. Once the implant fuses to the jawbone, an abutment is attached. When the gums have healed, restorations can be placed.

Understanding Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery traditionally requires two minor surgical procedures, meaning you will have at least two recovery periods. Though recovery times will vary from patient to patient, you can typically expect your dental procedures to involve these steps:

Your First Procedure: Implant Placement

During your first procedure, an oral surgeon will ensure your comfort before surgically placing a dental implant in your jawbone. The implant fuses with the jawbone during a process called osseointegration, which typically lasts about three to six months. During osseointegration, you must be careful with your dental implant, as it can become dislodged from the jawbone.

Your Second Procedure: Placing the Abutment

After your implant has fused with the jawbone and become part of your anatomy, you can return to your surgeon's office for your second procedure. During this minor surgery, an abutment will be placed on your dental implant to prepare for a restoration that can replace your missing tooth or teeth. After abutment placement, the gum tissue will need about four to six weeks to heal.


Creating Your Custom Implant Restoration

After you've healed from your abutment placement, our dentist can create your crown, bridge, or denture with the help of a local dental lab. Dr. Matthew Turner, serving Kansas City, MO, can then connect your new restoration to your implants to give you a fully functional smile.

Let Us Coordinate Your Care Request a Consultation With Our Dentist Today

Dr. Matthew Turner wants to help you make an informed decision about receiving implants. This involves knowing what to expect before, during, and after your surgical treatments. If you have any questions you want to have answered before committing to dental implant surgery, you can discuss them during a consultation with Dr. Turner. He can then coordinate your care with some of Kansas City's best oral surgeons and place your crown, bridge, or denture at his office.

If you're in the Greater Kansas City area, we invite you to request a dental implant consultation at our office in Blue Springs:

(816) 229-1433

Dr. Matthew Turner and staff
Our compassionate dental team is here to help you replace your missing teeth.

"This is the best dental office."

1

Laura Shields

2022

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I’ve been a patient of Dr. Turner’s for over 2 decades. Everyone is kind, easy to work with, accommodating and make going to the dentist enjoyable! I have never had a bad experience there. I’ve referred others and will continue to do so. Thank you, Dr Turner and Crew, for taking such great care of my family and me!!

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Janet Alumbaugh

2022

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This is the best dental office I have ever been too!!! I have crowns on all my teeth and they have always been extremely sensitive. For that reason I am always afraid to have any work done. Dr. Turner and his staff make me feel very comfortable and at ease with no pain. I highly recommend them!!

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Dr. Turner Explains the Implant Process From Placement to Recovery

If you need to replace a tooth or teeth, dental implants offer a long-term solution. They are well worth the time it takes for placement and recovery because they preserve your jawbone structure and provide unmatched stability.

Specific Instructions for Your Recovery Will Be Provided

After each stage of the dental implant placement process, you will be provided with specific instructions so you'll always have a clear idea of how to care for your treatment site and manage your symptoms. You can also contact our Blue Springs office if you have questions.

Managing Your Symptoms

For the first 24 hours after your procedures, you can expect some pain, swelling, and bleeding. Fortunately, these symptoms can be managed easily.

Minimize Bleeding

If your treatment site is bleeding slightly, there is no need to be alarmed. Place cotton gauze or a tea bag over the area and bite down to apply pressure. This typically stops the bleeding within a few minutes.

Manage Pain

Though pain is expected, it can be managed with pain medication. We may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics before your first surgery. We encourage patients to take their pain medication before the anesthetic subsides and take the full antibiotics regimen as prescribed. Switch to over-the-counter pain medication when you're ready.

Control Swelling

If you experience swelling, many patients find it useful to apply an ice pack for the first 24 hours after surgery. However, be sure to remove the ice pack every few minutes to keep your skin from becoming too cold.

Call a Doctor

Be sure to report any sudden increases in pain near the implant. If at any point you experience persistent or undue bleeding, swelling, pain, or fever, you should contact your doctor.

Choose a Practice Actively Invested in Your Recovery

Missing teeth can impact every area of your life, from your social activities to your daily diet. With dental implant treatment from practice, you can enjoy eating, speaking, and smiling with comfort again.

We're not just interested in getting you in the door. Our caring team will be actively involved in your treatment and recovery.

If you have any questions or concerns as you are healing, we encourage you to reach out to us at any time. Whether you want to learn about the implant recovery process or are looking for the best foods to eat while you're healing, Dr. Turner will be happy to provide helpful answers.

Still at the beginning of your dental implants journey? Ready to invest in your dental health? Request a consultation at our Kansas City, MO, office or call:

(816) 229-1433

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Dr. Turner and our dental team are always here if you need us. Follow our instructions and good dental hygiene practices to aid in your recovery from implant surgery.

"Dr. Turner is always helpful." Our Patients Leave Wonderful Reviews

1

Luke Hardin

2021

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Dr. Turner and his staff consistently create the safest, most welcoming environment every time I visit. If they ever have bad days I don’t think I’d ever notice. Dr. Turner is always helpful when I’m asking questions and so is the staff.

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Chris Foresee

2020

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Dr.Turner and his staff are wonderful to work with. He is very gentle and good at explaining all processes. I would highly recommend Dr.Turner!

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Returning to Your Regular Activities

Dental implant surgery is an outpatient procedure. Many patients can return to work within two to three days, as long as their work isn't strenuous. In the weeks following your surgery, attend your checkups at our dental office serving Kansas City. Our dentist will be able to give you more details regarding your recovery time and inform you when you'll be able to resume more strenuous activities.

Healing After Preparatory Procedures

If you require preparatory procedures like tooth extraction or bone grafting before we can place your implant, you can expect an additional healing period and a longer treatment timeline.
Tooth Extraction

Tooth Extraction

If you're replacing a decayed tooth that's still in your jawbone, our dentist, serving patients in Kansas City and beyond, will have to extract it first. After your tooth extraction, we recommend that you rest for two to three days to allow a blood clot to form. Patients typically require about three to four weeks of recovery time following their extraction.

Bone Graft material

Bone Graft

If you have insufficient bone tissue to support a dental implant, you may require bone graft surgery to build additional jawbone mass. This procedure typically lasts about 45 to 90 minutes. Patients usually heal from surgery after two to three weeks, but the full recovery process will last a minimum of three months.



During follow-up visits, our dentist will let you know when you've healed from your preparatory procedures and your jawbone is strong enough to support implants.

Regular Dentures Don't Require Healing Time So Why Should I Choose Implant-Supported Dentures?

While traditional dentures have given many patients the freedom to eat and smile with comfort again, they cannot match the life-changing benefits of implant-supported dentures.

Gum irritation can be a regular occurrence for patients who wear removable dentures. They may also slip or slide out of place when you eat or speak, potentially causing discomfort and embarrassment. 

Implant-supported dentures are the next best thing to natural teeth. After your healing process, you won't experience any irritation around your gumline. Additionally, your implants will be anchored in your jawbone, so the dentures they support will hold firmly in place through all regular dental functions.

Traditional dentures need to be replaced every seven to 10 years, but dental implants offer you decades of restored function and experience. The advantages they offer are well worth the recovery time.

"Great office, great staff, and a great smile!" Kansas City, MO, Patients Trust Us

1

Marilyn Morgan

2022

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Excellent Care. Friendly Staff.

Beautiful office for Adults and kids.

Appointment always on time.

I've been a patient over 10 yrs and always had good care.

Thanks Dr Turner and staff for your care friendliness and making your office feel comfortable.

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jan bergsieker

2021

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I have been going to Dr Turner for almost thirty years and have been able to see him go from just opening his practice with one dental chair to having six. For me this says and tells me so much about the kind of Dentist he is. The staff makes you feel very comfortable the minute you walk through the door. Dr. Turner has the ability to make you forget where you are with his corny jokes and his mild mannerisms. Some of his Smile Makeovers that I’ve viewed in his office are so impressive…who would of thought those patients ever had any dental issues! I would highly recommend Dr. Turner to anyone that’s looking for a Great Office, Great Staff and a Great Smile!

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Dental Implant Recovery FAQs

Will I ever need replacement implants?

With good care, your dental implants can last a lifetime. It's unlikely that you'll ever need to replace them, but your restorations will eventually need to be replaced.

Will I need to wait long for replacement restorations when the time comes?

It doesn't take long to replace restorations. We will simply remove your old restoration, place a new one on the abutment, and send you home with little to no recovery time.

How long does it take to recover from surgery?

It usually takes about two weeks to recover from dental implant surgery. Though the discomfort will subside after then, you will still have to wait for the implants to fuse with your jawbone. That process lasts about three to six months.

Why does dental implant recovery take so long?

After Dr. Turner places your implant, it will fuse to your jaw, replacing your tooth roots. We a few months before placing abutments to ensure that the area is fully stable. Additionally, by giving you time to heal completely, we can help prevent complications down the line.

Still Have Questions?

Dr. Turner and his team

Matthew A. Turner, D.D.S., P.C.

At the dental practice of Matthew A. Turner, D.D.S., P.C., in Kansas City, MO, Dr. Turner and his team provide superior general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care. Dr. Turner is a member of several professional organizations, including:

  • The American Dental Association
  • The Missouri Dental Association
  • The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • The Eastern Jackson County Dental Society

For more information on the services we provide, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us online or call (816) 229-1433.

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"Best dental experience anyone could ask for. It's very obvious the entire staff works together as a team and truly cares about the patients."

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